SUMMARY
It is Fremantle's turn on Saturday night to host at Optus Stadium. There will be a sharp focus on Freo's skills after Ross Lyon's men scored 60 points for the game. Fremantle were hurt on turnovers and Essendon's foot-to-the-floor playing style could be difficult for Freo's defence, especially if the three-pronged tall forward line of Joe Daniher, Cale Hooker and James Stewart fires again after combining for eight goals against Adelaide. How big a boost Fremantle receive from a huge and parochial crowd at their Optus Stadium opener will be intriguing to see, but the Bombers will be keen to spoil the party and get their season away to a 2-0 start.

WHERE AND WHEN: Optus Stadium, Saturday 31 March, 5.10pm WST

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LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2017, Essendon 16.11 (107) d Fremantle 14.8 (92) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2017, Fremantle 17.14 (116) d Essendon 11.13 (79) at Subiaco Oval
R11, 2016, Fremantle 20.6 (126) d Essendon 6.11 (47) at Subiaco Oval
R6, 2015, Fremantle 12.8 (80) d Essendon 7.10 (52) at Subiaco Oval
R4, 2014, Fremantle 18.5 (113) d 9.6 (60) at Subiaco Oval

THE FIVE POINTS
1. Essendon's storming six-goal to one finish to overrun Adelaide shouldn't come as a surprise. The Bombers won 18 of 23 final quarters last year.

2. Fremantle's connection between the midfield and forward line is a concern. Fremantle’s 60-point score against Port Adelaide was the 16th consecutive game they've failed to hit the 100-point mark.

3. Essendon's victory in the final home and away round last season was the club's first over the Freo Dockers since round three, 2013. Fremantle won the previous four matches.

4. Fremantle will be determined to build a home ground advantage at Optus Stadium and extend Essendon's run of six consecutive losses in Perth. Freo holds an 11-7 record over the Dons in Perth.

5. Alex Pearce climbed 58 spots in the Schick AFL Player Ratings to 492nd overall after his round one comeback following complications with a broken leg and will have a big job on an Essendon tall forward on Saturday night. Expect the promising key defender to rise with a bullet this season.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … 
Nat Fyfe tried his guts out against Port Adelaide but was given no time and space. Freo needs the skipper to put his stamp on Optus Stadium with a vintage performance to lead the club to a first-up victory.